How much damage could a powerful solar flare actually do—and are we ready for it? Two days ago, a massive solar flare erupted. If it had been facing Earth, it likely would’ve registered as a G5—the highest level on NOAA’s geomagnetic storm scale. That’s Carrington Event territory. This isn’t a prediction. It’s just science. And understanding science isn’t fear-mongering. A G5 could cause: Widespread electrical disruptions Major blackouts Internet and communication systems offline And let’s be ho